“…And have put on the new self, which is being remade, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.”
Colossians 3:10
Saturday morning I woke with a clear head, minus the awful head cold that had plagued me the day before, ready to implement the REMADE retreat. I’ll admit I was a little nervous because this was a retreat that I formed through prayer and with the help of some ideas I used over the years at other retreats but I was anxious to see how it would flow. In the early hours of daybreak I went deep into prayer and was reminded that God was indeed in control.
With the help of the beautiful ladies at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Greenwood, MS the retreat was a collaborative effort and a spiritual success. To have nearly 50 women who were willing to take an entire day and come together from all over the Delta area was a blessing.
The greatest gift I heard all day was “I was meant to be here.” or “That was done or said for me specifically, I needed to hear that.” You see, I think it is important to mention to those that live in areas where retreats for women (specifically Catholic retreats) are offered in abundance that in the Mississippi Delta are they do not have the resources that many of us take for granted. They share a priest within 2 or 3 parishes and if they happen to feel led to seek a spiritual getaway many have to drive to Louisiana in order to retreat. For many of these women on Saturday it was their very first retreat. Oh how I wish they could have the ACTS retreat or even a Holy Name retreat available to them where they could feel the blessing of truly ‘retreating’ and getting away from the demands of life.
I did the best I could to offer the same safe environment and to my great relief they did not hold back from the very beginning. Another great gift on this day was to have two priests available for reconciliation even with one of their largest fund-raisers taking place that evening. Oh how the women received the grace in this Sacrament! There is no greater feeling to pray with one another and see them waiting patiently, even expectantly in line to be absolved of their sins. You see? Preparation was already taking place. 🙂
After Reconciliation I had them do a fun little activity with play-doh and one woman created this amazing sculpture of God’s hand holding a person who is bunched up, holding onto his knees, head bent in prayer.
I was so impressed by many of the images created and how even more appropriate that each image created was covered in their unique fingerprints as they were uniquely created by God.
By the end of the day as we closed with Mass I was elated and renewed and humbled. Fr. Greg was anxious to get over to the Mardi Gras fund raiser that was to raise funds for the Catholic school in the area. Everyone thought I would be too tired to go dancing, but they do not know me very well. 😉 I LOVE TO DANCE!!
It was a true celebration!
The weekend was a gift and one that I needed badly in this time of growth within the ministry God has called me to. Soon I will be able to share this crazy ride that I’ve been on…but for now God continues to strengthen me with His consistent message of TRUST and with opportunities such as this that will bless me for a lifetime.
I implore you on this Ash Wednesday in an effort to ‘prepare’ the way in your life for Christ find a retreat in your area and make it a priority to take that time (1/2 day, 1 day, weekend, etc) to focus solely on you and God and the love He has for you.
Blessings
Shannon